question about boost guage and map line

[hpcbmw]

I'm installing a boost gauge on my truck. I have a "vacuum/boost" gauge that seems to be on a continuum - if there's vacuum, it goes "0 to-20" and if there's boost it goes to "0 to +30". It's a cheapie I picked up awhile back from Pep Boys, I think. It's only got one input line. Is there any problem using this for a boost gauge? I'm trying to verify if I've got boost and don't want to spend the cash on good gauges til I get the truck running right.

My other question is re: the map line. From the great writeup at Stealth Automotive (http://stealth-automotive.com/docume...%20Install.pdf) I figured out the map line is a line I had to cut the tip off and shorten it, because it was leaking. Now it's a bit short. I'm thinking I should replace this line. What type of hose do I need to replace it with? Is there special vacuum hose, or just heater hose of the same diameter?

Thanks for the help.

[seanoboyle]

Diesels dont create vacuum. Vacuum is measured at the throttle body, which diesels dont have. Any vacuum line will work to replace your map line.

[PolarBear]

You shouldn't need to install a guage to verify that you have boost. That should be noticable while driving. Without boost the truck is a dog and difficult to drive. Having a boost tube blow off will show you quickly what these trucks are like without the turbo.

[hpcbmw]

I tried to install my cheap boost/vacuum gauge from PepBoys and ran into problems - the hard plastic hosing that came with the gauge is only about 2.5 feet long - nowhere near long enough to go from the map lie to the gauge in the truck. Also, the plastic hosing is less then 1/8 inch - I can't find a "T" that will fit the map line (1/4" or so inner diameter) and also fit the 1/8" hard plastic vacuum line.

Do I just have to buck up and buy a better quality gauge? Do the better gauges come with long enough line to go from the map line, through the firewall and into the cab?

Thanks for the help.